Marcos Hails Reduced US Tariff as Major Win Despite Criticism Over Trade Deal
Speaking after his bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Marcos said the 1 percent drop, while seemingly small, is a 'significant achievement' when applied to actual trade volumes.
While the agreement also allows more U.S. goods like vehicles, farm products, and medicine into Philippine markets, Marcos said it could result in lower prices for Filipino consumers, especially in healthcare.
He acknowledged the 19 percent tariff remains relatively high but emphasized that the deal serves as a foundation for future trade talks and improvements.
Calling it a 'template,' Marcos expressed optimism that it will pave the way for better economic relations with the U.S., which remains the Philippines' top export destination, accounting for $1.1 billion in shipments in May 2025 alone.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
an hour ago
- Filipino Times
Marcos Declares Sulu Under Zamboanga Peninsula Following SC Ruling on Bangsamoro Law
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 91 formally reclassifying the province of Sulu under the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX), nearly a year after the Supreme Court upheld Sulu's exclusion from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The order follows the province's rejection of the Bangsamoro Organic Law's ratification in 2019 and aims to align national government operations with the High Court's ruling. The executive order stressed the need for a seamless transition of programs and services to ensure uninterrupted governance and service delivery. A technical working group chaired by the Department of Budget and Management has been created to lead the transition. It includes Cabinet officials, the Bangsamoro Government, and the governor of Sulu. The group will be tasked to issue a transition plan within 60 days and submit annual reports to Malacañang. By 2026, all national and local programs in Sulu will fall under Region IX's jurisdiction. Government workers affected by the shift will be allowed to transfer to other national or BARMM agencies, or to local government units. Those opting for retirement or separation are barred from reemployment for five years, unless in teaching or medical roles. Premature reemployment will require refunding benefits on a pro-rated basis.
Filipino Times
4 hours ago
- Filipino Times
DMW, OWWA, DFA Strengthen Coordination in Dubai to Better Serve OFWs
Top officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) gathered in Dubai to reinforce their joint commitment to the One-Country Team Approach, a strategy designed to streamline government services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The delegation, led by DMW Undersecretaries Jainal Rasul and Dominique Rubia-Tutay, Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi, and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, met with Consul General Marford Angeles on August 2, 2025, at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. Discussions focused on enhancing digital services, increasing support for the Migrant Workers Office, and expanding welfare initiatives in both the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One of the key programs to be rolled out is the expansion of the 'Bagong Bayani ng Mundo – OFW Serbisyo Caravan,' which aims to deliver frontline government services directly to OFWs in various UAE locations. This aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s mandate to bring services closer to Filipino communities abroad. The initiative also highlights holistic community involvement. Plans include OFW sports competitions like basketball and volleyball, E-sports tournaments, cultural events, and the revival of Friendship Day—first launched by former OWWA head Marianito Roque. These programs aim to boost morale and celebrate the resilience of Filipinos working overseas.
Filipino Times
4 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Thousands of OFWs Join Gov't Caravan in Dubai for Direct Access to Services
Thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from various parts of the United Arab Emirates flocked to the Dubai World Trade Centre for the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan, a large-scale event aimed at bringing Philippine government services closer to Filipino communities abroad. Organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the initiative follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to streamline and improve access to public services for OFWs. The event was held in collaboration with various agencies such as OWWA, PSA, Pag-IBIG, SSS, DSWD, PAO, DTI-PTIC, and the Philippine Consulate in Dubai. From 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., attendees were able to avail of services including contract verification, legal assistance, housing and financial services, and welfare programs from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). For many, the caravan served as a one-stop shop to address pressing personal and employment concerns without having to return to the Philippines. The caravan reflects the Philippine government's commitment to making public service accessible, responsive, and relevant to the needs of its modern-day heroes. Beyond paperwork and benefits, it also fostered a sense of connection and reassurance for OFWs working far from home.
